**We Are Currently at Client Capacity until the start of Feb 2025.
Sorry for the inconvenience. If you would like to be put on the schedule for then please reach out and we can do that.
All About Us
The Free Range K9 offers behavioral modification and training that focuses on research-based procedures. At The Free Range K9, our aim is to provide real solutions to the most common and challenging behaviors that come with having a K9. We are here to support, communicate, and collaborate to provide the best training focusing on your individual K9 and family needs. We believe that the best behavioral modification and training comes from an individualized approach. With an individualized approach we are able to target what we are working on with our clients and K9s needs in mind, all while in a comfortable environment. No K9 will be turned away based on their behavior or lack of training.
Individualized Dog Training Pros and Cons
The Pros:
- If your dog is shy or anxious and likely to have difficulty learning in a group setting.
- If your dog knows all of the basics and you’re ready for more advanced dog training or add in more distractions in a neutral location.
- If your dog has special needs or behavioral issues.
- If your schedule prevents you from participating in group classes once a week for average 6-7 weeks of classes.
- Training skills and behavior modifications can usually be learned faster.
There are lots of reasons why training at home is a good option. The schedule is much more flexible, allowing you to work around your personal life. There are more time slots available than are offered for group classes. Our in-home training is tailored to fit your specific training goals, rather than the generalized curriculum of a group class. We are able move at your pace, spending more time on a particular command, if need be. Training at home also allows you to start teaching your new puppy right away, whereas with group classes, your puppy typically has to have all of their vaccines before they can begin. For adult or senior dogs, training at home does lower the risk of your dog developing kennel cough or a virus that is making the rounds.
The Cons:
- One of the biggest drawbacks is that your pup isn’t getting a chance to socialize. (We have resident dogs that we are able to bring and use to help with socialization if this is something you would like.)
- A disadvantage is that your dog is not learning to listen to you outside the home, where there are many distractions and new environmental factors. (We are happy to meet and train in a neutral location where there are possible distractions and environmental changes.)
- You will miss out on mutual learning. (Small Group training sessions are available. If you have a friend with a new puppy or older dog, we are happy to accommodate and have a small group training session in your home or neutral location. Contact us for pricing if you are interested in this.)
The Trainer
Nate Simonson
My name is Nate Simonson and I am the owner, behavioralist, and trainer here at The Free Range K9 LLC. I have lived in Altoona, WI the last 14 years with my wife and two children. My background is in special education and behavioral intervention/modification. At this time, I work with K9s in addition to working my primary job in the community which I have served in for the last 14 years. My goal is to continue to grow as a professional trainer through my learning, trainings, and experiences to be able to provide more services in our community. Through my experiences and continued education I believe that I would be an asset to you, your family, and of course K9.
I specialize in working with K9's that have had bite history, aggression, resource guarding, reactivity, and anxiety. I also work on basic training and obedience with puppies, adolescent, adult, and senior dogs. Having a solid foundation is one of the keys to success with your K9. Many of the K9s that I have worked with have been rescued from shelters or adopted through organizations. With the unknown history of some of our K9 family members it can be tricky to know the best approach to meet their needs. My passion and drive is to train and modify behaviors through research based practices that meet the needs of your K9 and family.
Thank you for getting to know The Free Range K9 LLC and myself. I am excited to work with you, your family, and your K9. Please reach out through e-mail (thefreerangek9@gmail.com) or our contact us section.
Our Clients
Holly & Arwen, WI
"Nate was able to schedule our training sessions on short notice in a convenient location. He helped us understand our dog's behavior and provided valuable information for us to continue our training at home. We were able to see our dog's potential and learn how we can support her to continue building her confidence and ours. We truly enjoyed working with Nate, thank you!"